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Atlanta Hawks To Be Sold To Alex Meruelo, California Pizza Tycoon, According To Report

According to an Associated Press report, a "controlling interest" in the Atlanta Hawks and Phillips Arena will be sold to Alex Meruelo, founder and owner of California pizza chain La Pizza Loco. That is some crazy pizza! The deal will be announced Monday, according to the AP.

The Hawks have reportedly been very close to a sale since shortly after the Atlanta Spirit Group unloaded the Atlanta Thrashers, and were believed to be in talks to sell the team even before unloading their hockey venture.

I know absolutely nothing about Alex Meruelo, but would heartily welcome pretty much anybody over the ownership of Michael Gearon and company.

And no, the Hawks aren't moving to California. They're set to remain in Atlanta for a long time. Coupling the team with the arena helps ensure profitability, as the venue is one of the best in the country at attracting top concerts.

For complete coverage of the Hawks, please visit Peachtree Hoops.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.